“A timely assessment of America’s ability to develop and field an essential component of stability operations—constabulary forces, also known internationally as ‘formed police units.’ Perito demonstrates their importance by drawing on American experience, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, and explains why America has been slow to arrive at this solution, as well as why its governmental system inhibits its implementation.”
—David Bayley, distinguished professor emeritus and former dean, School of Criminal Justice, State University of New York, Albany

“Our men and women in uniform can face greater danger from drug traffickers, violent mobs, and lawlessness than from enemy tanks, planes, and ships. Robert Perito has given us a blueprint for building capable and sustainable institutions to provide the rule of law . . . this is a mission we WILL perform again.”
—William B. Caldwell IV, Lieutenant General, United States Army

“The second edition of Where Is the Lone Ranger? America's Search for a Stability Force remains the ‘go to’ text for those wishing to learn how the security gap was tackled in peace and stability operations involving U.S. forces. Perito writes with the flair of an academic, the accuracy of a seasoned practitioner, and the passion of someone who cares deeply about establishing the rule of law in postconflict environments. Realpolitik doesn’t get realer. Perito convincingly illustrates the enduring requirement for an international expeditionary police force—as well as the limitations of police deployed under a military mandate and the problems of soldiers training police. He courageously reminds us that the proverbial masked lawman is now needed more than ever in the crisis zones across the globe.”
—Andrew Carpenter, Chief of the Strategic Policy and Development Section, Police Division, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, United Nations